RIHI The Home Improvement Specialist knows that every year New Englanders look forward to the warm, sunny summer days. and enjoying all that the season has to offer. But let’s also not forget June 1st is also the official start of hurricane season. And it’s your roof that plays the most critical role in protecting your home from gale-force winds and rain.
To ensure your home and family are protected, you need to make sure that your roof is ready to take on hurricane season. RIHI is here to help with our five-point checklist to help you evaluate the health of your roof. Of course, calling a professional roofing expert like RIHI will certainly give the most peace of mind. Here is our five-point checklist to get you started on your own:
1.Roof Age
There first thing to know is to find out the age of your current roof. Typically, the life of an asphalt roof is about 15-20 years depending on the environmental/weather conditions in the region. In New England, with weather extremes, we get our share of damaging hurricanes and snowstorms that impact your roof’s life.
2. Water Leaks
Inside your home look to see if there are any sort of water rings or signs of leaks along your walls or on your ceiling.
3. Discoloration/Stains
If you can access your attic, look at the ceiling to check for water stains or any signs of mold. While you’re in the attic, you can also check to see if there are any sort of gaps or damage where light is coming through your roof.
4. Missing/Damaged Shingles
Now step outside and walk the perimeter of your home to see if there are any shingles that are missing, damaged, or curling up. These are sure signs that your roof will not perform at its best when it faces heavy wind and rain.
5. Moss Growth
Look for any growth of moss on your roof as it acts like a sponge and absorbs water. If this trapped moisture travels underneath the shingles it could cause rot in the wooden components of the roof, threatening structural integrity and leading to costly repairs.
As we said earlier, hiring a pro like RIHI will give you the highest level of confidence in the assessment of your roof. In the meantime, RIHI’s five-point checklist can get you started down the path of peace-of-mind. And if you do have any questions, please call a RIHI at 800-374-4492.
